Portable solar collection system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collection systems are limited by their fixed orientation, which restricts optimal sunlight collection to a small portion of daylight hours, and require the use of glycol or other antifreeze fluids to prevent freezing, posing concerns for system integrity.
Innovation Solution
A portable solar collection system with a sun position tracking apparatus and a design that eliminates the need for antifreeze fluids, utilizing a photovoltaic panel, circulation pump, and differential temperature controller to optimize sunlight absorption across a broader range of daylight hours and maintain system functionality without glycol or similar fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed orientation solar collector is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sunlight collection is limited to a small portion of daylight hours
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector is mounted on a movable support structure that allows it to change orientation throughout the day. The collector can be adjusted to track the sun's movement across the sky, maximizing sunlight exposure during different hours of daylight rather than being fixed in a single orientation.
2Reliability
If glycol or antifreeze fluids are used to prevent freezing, then the system tubing is protected from freezing and rupturing, but the system requires additional chemicals and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glycol or antifreeze fluid component from the system entirely. Instead of using chemical additives to prevent freezing, the system uses an open-loop design where water is pumped through the collector and then discharged, eliminating the need for freezing protection chemicals and their associated maintenance requirements.
3Productivity
If a movable support structure is added to optimize sun collection, then sunlight collection is improved across more daylight hours, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates movable components including a telescoping arm with adjustable segments and a rotating mechanism that allows the solar collector to change its position and orientation. This dynamic structure enables the collector to track the sun's movement across the sky, extending productive collection hours while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances sunlight collection efficiency by adjusting to changing sun positions and operates effectively without antifreeze fluids, ensuring continuous energy harvesting and reducing maintenance concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a solar collector apparatus having a glaze and a photovoltaic panel for battery back-up regulated power supply
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump; the battery operatively coupled to a 120-volt inverter, the inverter providing power to a transfer pump
Implementation Method 3
the mixing valve mixing the hot water with the cold water from the cold water compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A portable solar collection apparatus and system describes an apparatus and system having a solar collector apparatus having a glaze and photovoltaic panel operatively coupled to a rectifier operatively coupled to a 12-volt battery and a circulation pump, the battery is operatively coupled to an inverter. The system and apparatus includes an insulator having a cold water compartment, a luke warm water compartment, and a hot water compartment. A circulation pump moves water through the rectifier and into the hot water compartment. A mixed temperature outlet receives some of the hot water mixed with cold for discharge. The outlet may be coupled to a shower head and/or stand for discharging water.